SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: Ponant Explorations has announced a new programme of 40 themed voyages for 2026 and 2027 that blend luxury cruising with cultural immersion and expert‑led experiences focused on art, music, gastronomy and wellbeing.
These voyages will feature performances and workshops with dancers from the Opéra National de Paris, art‑centred sailings curated in collaboration with specialists from Christie’s auction house and the Pinault Collection, as well as music-themed voyages in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Centre and Marseille Jazz des Cinq Continents.
Photo credit: Ponant Expeditions.
Select departures will also feature exceptional culinary experiences developed in collaboration with Ducasse Conseil, Relais & Châteaux and the Club des Chefs des Chefs.
SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: HBX Group, an independent B2B travel technology marketplace, has announced the speakers and sponsors for MarketHub Asia 2026, which will take place in Bali from 4 to 5 February under the theme “UNLOCKED.”
The annual flagship industry event brings together senior decision-makers from across distribution, hospitality, technology and data for two days of discussion focused on how the travel industry continues to evolve — and what leaders need to do next.
The programme will open with HBX Group Chief Finance Officer Brendan Brennan, who will explore the forces reshaping travel technology today, from the growing impact of artificial intelligence to the changing expectations of travellers and partners.
HBX Group Chief Information Officer Daniel Nordholm will unveil a series of new products and share the thinking behind what the Group is building, the challenges these solutions are designed to address, and how they support the next phase of HBX Group’s ecosystem.
Tourism Economics, Head of Tourism Analysis – Asia-Pacific, Michael Shoory, will provide a macroeconomic outlook. At the same time, ForwardKeys Intelligence and Marketing Director Olivier Ponti will share data-led insights into travel demand and performance.
MarketHub will also feature speakers from across the travel and hospitality ecosystem, including organisations such as Centre Hotels, Tripbtoz, Minor Hotels, Traveloka, Abu Dhabi Tourism, Accor, Grab, and Make My Trip, who will contribute to discussions on innovation, growth, and collaboration.
Commenting on the event, HBX Group, Chief Distribution Officer, David Amsellem said: “MarketHub Asia is where the real conversations happen. This is the forum where we cut through the noise and focus on what matters: the seismic shifts reshaping travel and how we capitalise on them together. Asia isn’t following anymore — it’s leading. This edition brings partners together to tackle the opportunities we’re all chasing and the challenges no one’s cracked yet.”
MarketHub Asia 2026 will be hosted by Hilton, with platinum sponsors including Kempinski, Clermont Hotel Group, Center Hotels and Megaworld Hotels & Resorts, reflecting the breadth of partners involved in shaping the programme.
About HBX Group HBX Group is a leading global B2B travel technology marketplace that owns and operates Hotelbeds, Bedsonline, The Luxurist, Roiback and Civitfun.
SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: Norwegian Cruise Line has opened sales for voyages on Norwegian Aura, the largest vessel in its fleet, which will homeport in Miami beginning June 2027 following her debut in Europe in late May 2027.
Setting a new standard in size and scale for NCL’s fleet, Norwegian Aura will be almost 345 metres long, weigh 168,000 gross tons, and accommodate 3,840 guests (double occupancy). Norwegian Aura will be 10% larger than her predecessors, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Photo credit: NCL. Norwegian Aura.
Offering seven-day cruises, Norwegian Aura’s voyages will visit either Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style destination in Belize, or Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas.
Norwegian Aura is currently under construction by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, with interior design across the ship by world-class architects, including AD Associates, Piero Lissoni, Rockwell Group, SMC Design, and Studio Dado.
From the Med to Miami
Before homeporting in Miami for her inaugural season in June 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail a seven-day Mediterranean voyage from Trieste, Italy, to Barcelona, Spain on 21 May 2027 with calls to Valletta, Malta, as well as Salerno and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy.
Following her 14-day transatlantic voyage, she will commence her season of Caribbean cruises from Miami. From June 2027 through October 2027, Norwegian Aura will sail seven-day Eastern Caribbean voyages with calls to quintessential island destinations, including Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, US. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and the brand’s newly enhanced private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
In winter 2027/28, Norwegian Aura will offer seven-day Western Caribbean voyages taking guests to lush, tropical destinations like Roatan (Islas de la Bahia), Honduras; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; as well as Harvest Caye, NCL’s resort-style private destination off the Belizean coast.
MADRID, 22 January 2026: International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew by 4% in 2025, as most destinations worldwide posted solid results, according to UN Tourism reports.
According to the 2025 World Tourism Barometer, an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally, almost 60 million more than in 2024.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais.
These numbers reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the 5% average annual increase between 2009 and 2019. Results were driven by strong demand, robust performance from large source markets and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and enhanced visa facilitation also supported international travel in 2025.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais said: “Travel demand remained high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty from geopolitical tensions. We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026 as the global economy is expected to remain steady and destinations still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels fully recover.”
Africa sees the strongest results in 2025; Asia and the Pacific rebound
The World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism provides comprehensive data for the sector by region, sub-region and destination. Key takeaways from this edition show:
Europe, the world’s largest destination region, recorded 793 million international tourists in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024 and 6% more than in 2019. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance. Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+6%), though arrivals remained 9% below 2019 levels.
Americas (218 million) recorded 1% growth last year, with mixed results across subregions. After a strong first half of 2025, the region saw slight declines in Q3 and Q4, partly due to weak results in the US South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%), which led to soft subregion results — Caribbean destinations (+0%) were affected by Hurricane Melissa in the last quarter of the year.
Africa (81 million) saw an 8% increase in arrivals in 2025, with robust results in North Africa (+11%).
The Middle East recorded 3% growth in 2025, equivalent to 39% above pre-pandemic levels, the strongest results relative to 2019. The region virtually reached 100 million international visitors in 2025.
Asia and the Pacific (331 million) visits grew 6% last year but are still 9% below 2019 levels as the region continued to rebound. North-East Asia led performance with 13% growth over 2024, while South Asia recovered pre-pandemic levels.
Among destinations with complete 2025 data, several showed double-digit growth in international arrivals: Brazil (+37%), Egypt (+20%), Morocco (+14%), and Seychelles (+13%).
Destinations reporting data through November also saw strong growth, including Bhutan (+30%), Iceland (+29%), Guyana (+24%), South Africa (+19%) and Japan (+17%).
BANGKOK, 22 January 2026: As part of ongoing efforts to drive a value-over-volume tourism agenda, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is rolling out ‘Thailand Tourism Next’.
The strategic framework, built on the “Amazing Five Economies,” targets 11% growth in tourism revenue to reach THB3.3 trillion.
The initiative will commence with the launch of a new tourism advertising clip starring Lalisa “Lisa” Manobal, in her role as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, premiering on 28 January 2026 to inspire travel to Thailand throughout the year.
Amid ongoing challenges, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool, said: “No matter how challenging the situation may be, there is only one answer — we must move forward. Every development and every step taken by the tourism industry is a vital lifeline that helps sustain the economy.”
TAT has set a 11% tourism revenue growth target, aiming to increase revenue from THB2.7 trillion in 2025 to THB3 trillion. Of this, THB2 trillion will be generated in international markets, with long-haul contributing 45% and short-haul 55%, while the domestic market is targeted to deliver THB1 trillion. International arrivals are projected to rise 11%, from 32.97 million to 36.7 million.
Boosting tourism revenues will focus on the “Amazing Five Economies”.
Life Economy centres on wellbeing and holistic health, positioning Thailand as a premier health and wellness destination through the ‘Healing is the New Luxury’ campaign.
The Sub-Culture Economy targets high-potential niche segments, including yacht tourism, sports, private jet travel, spiritual travel (Mu-Te-Lu), and fandom communities.
The Night Economy focuses on creative nightlife tourism across major cities and secondary destinations.
The Circular Economy promotes efficient, measurable resource use through the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, with benefits returning to local communities.
The Platform Economy enhances digital tourism through e-commerce and payment platforms to deliver seamless travel experiences.
Pivoting to an airline focus
To sustain Thailand’s tourism competitiveness, the TAT Governor said an “Airline Focus” approach is being prioritised to stimulate demand by encouraging airlines to expand capacity, launch new routes, and connect travellers to emerging destinations across Thailand.
In 2025, long-haul markets showed strong momentum, supported by 32,166 long-haul flights (+13.46% year-on-year) and a total seat capacity of 10,231,561 (+11.95%).
Long-haul arrivals reached a new high of 10,831,497, including 8,250,165 from Europe (+12.42%), 1,578,041 from the Americas (+6.84%), 806,307 from the Middle East (+17.96%), and 196,984 from Africa (+17.96%).
Targets in 2026
Looking ahead, the long-haul market is targeted to reach 11,666,000 arrivals (+7.4%), generating THB742,420 million in tourism receipts (+8.38%). To achieve this, initiatives will be implemented under the “NIYOM” strategic direction, reinforcing Thailand’s appeal through New Experiences, Inclusive Hospitality, Year-Round Destination positioning, Originality and Authenticity, and Meaningful Travel.
Within this framework, spearhead markets include core high-value markets, strategic growth markets, and rising and emerging markets.
Meanwhile, Asia’s short-haul markets totalled 22,142,824 arrivals in 2025, down from 25,820,618 in the previous year. Despite the overall decline, positive signals remain in several key markets, including India, Japan, Australia, Myanmar, and the Philippines. Tourism receipts from short-haul markets reached THB851,584 million, down 15.7% year-on-year.
In response, TAT is adapting to emerging challenges by refining its market direction. The focus is on expanding niche and high-value segments, retaining core markets while developing new segments and destinations, refreshing Thailand’s image toward quality and sustainability, and strengthening collaboration across the tourism value chain.
Under a market-by-market approach, TAT is prioritising core markets that generate significant revenue, including China, with a stronger focus on secondary cities; Malaysia, promoting land connectivity alongside air routes; and India, targeting millennials while expanding flight capacity. Meanwhile, in medium- to smaller-sized markets with strong growth potential, strategies include Australia, with an emphasis on sustainability positioning; the Philippines, aimed at sustaining growth momentum; and Taiwan, focusing on safety confidence and secondary cities.
Alongside its focus on overseas markets, the domestic market remains a key pillar. In 2025, the domestic market recorded 202 million trips, up 2.7% year on year. Building on this momentum, efforts focus on advancing the core domestic tourism campaign, designed to deliver a sense of happiness from the moment travellers set foot in Thailand. One of the core approaches centres on holistic travel, promoting experiences that enhance both physical and mental wellbeing and going beyond traditional wellness tourism by offering integrated, rejuvenating journeys while encouraging spending on high-value tourism products. Looking ahead to 2026, the target is set at 210 million domestic trips, with tourism revenue projected at THB1 trillion.
On 28 January, TAT will launch a tourism advertising clip themed “Feel All The Feelings”, featuring Thai global pop icon Lisa Manobal and showcasing destinations alongside the emotional and experiential side of travel.
SINGAPORE, 22 January 2026: T’way Air, a Korean low-cost carrier, has launched New Year Special Deals for travellers flying from Singapore to Korea.
Customers can access limited-time savings with promo codes and coupons on flights to Incheon (Seoul) and Jeju Island.
Photo credit: T’way Air. New Year deals on Singapore–Korea flights.
Seoul flights
T’way Air operates daily Singapore–Incheon (Seoul) services on A330-200/300 aircraft, departing Singapore at 2300 and arriving in Incheon at 0635 on the next day. Return flights depart Incheon at 1530 and arrive in Singapore at 2125. (local time).
Jeju flights
The airline currently operates five weekly Singapore–Jeju services (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat) using Boeing 737-8s, and will resume daily service from 15 March 2026. Flights depart Singapore at 0230 and arrive in Jeju at 0930. Return flights depart Jeju at 1945 and arrive in Singapore at 0130 on the next day (local time).
Book by January 31 to unlock New Year savings:
Up to 7% Off Promo Code: Enter FLYJAN when booking on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju flights, valid through 24 October 2026. Valid for economy and business saver class.
SGD30 Regular Coupon: For bookings over SGD350 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel through 24 October 2026.
SGD35 Early Bird Coupon: For bookings over SGD400 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, travel period 1 May to 24 October, 2026.
SGD8 New Year’s Special Bundle Coupon: For selected bundles (meal pack, bag pack, multi-pack) on bookings over SGD78 for Singapore–Incheon/Jeju, valid for travel through 24 October 2026.
Welcome SGD 20 Coupon: Sign up at twayair.com and receive SGD20 off bookings over SGD180 on Singapore–Incheon/Jeju.
Seoul’s cultural attractions blend with Jeju Island’s natural scenery. Neighbourhoods such as Hongdae, Gangnam, and the Seongsu area are popular for dining and local culture. At the same time, Jeju is recognised for its coastal routes and volcanic landscapes, which are suited to nature-focused travel.
About T’way Air T’way Air is a South Korean low-cost carrier (LCC) that has operated since 2010. The airline operates a fleet of Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, as well as Airbus A330, A320, and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, serving customers across Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America.
BANGKOK, 21 January 2026: YAANA Ventures will hold a simultaneous walkathon on 1 February in 10 destinations across Asia to support local charities.
The venues are: Nonthaburi and Khao Sok, Thailand; Kandy, Sri Lanka; Sanur, Bali; Vientiane, Laos; Yangon, Myanmar; Cebu, the Philippines; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Koh Kong and Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
Photo credit: YAANA Ventures. Community outreach fundraiser.
Khiri Travel offices will organise local walks in all eight of its operating countries. Additional walks will be organised by two VHG Hospitality Asia projects: Anurak Community Lodge in southern Thailand, and Cardamom Tented Camp in Koh Kong province, southwest Cambodia.
Fundraisers on each walk will comprise management, staff and suppliers of six YAANA Ventures companies: Khiri Travel, VHG Hospitality Asia, Cardamom Tented Camp, Anurak Lodge, HMP, Khiri Campus, and partners Naruna Beyond Retreats.
The Khiri Reach charitable foundation will deliver funds raised to:
Thanks Giving Home in Nonthaburi, Thailand, which supports older people;
The Forest Healing Foundation in Digana, Kandy, in Sri Lanka, which protects and restores forests;
The Bali Children Foundation, which supports children’s education;
Phoning Hospital in Vientiane, Laos, which supports people with disabilities;
The Ywar Thar Gyi Mental Hospital at Kandawgyi Lake in Yangon, Myanmar, which supports people with disabilities;
CRST Project B – Bicycles for Education in Cambodia, which donates bicycles to poor children upcountry to get to school;
Zapatera Elementary School, which supports deaf and hard-of-hearing elementary school students in Cebu, Philippines;
Saigonchildren in Ho Chi Minh City, which supports children’s education.
The 5 km charity event is the second annual walkathon organised by YAANA Ventures and Khiri Reach. There were also fundraising ‘bikeathons’ in Vietnam in 2017 and 2019.
YAANA Ventures Sustainability Manager Natalie van Ogtrop commented: “At YAANA, we use The Long Run’s 4Cs of community, conservation, culture and responsible commerce. This framework inspires us to create projects such as the walkathon, to give back to local communities and help people who need support, such as disadvantaged children”.
YAANA Ventures expects more than 200 participants in the walkathon across the region. Fundraising walking routes are diverse, ranging from big city nature parks and beachside locations to remote upcountry national parks. Donations can be made to any of the charities via the Khiri Reach Foundation. To find out more, email [email protected].
About YAANA Ventures YAANA Ventures is an owner, partner and operator of sustainable and entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. The company is the champion of The Long Run’s 4Cs of responsible tourism: conservation, community, culture and commerce. YAANA implements all its ventures in line with these guiding regenerative travel principles. Visit https://yaana-ventures.com/.
DUBAI, UAE, 21 January 2026: As part of its ongoing growth strategy in Southeast Asia and commitment to the Philippines, Emirates will introduce four additional weekly flights between Dubai and Manila from 2 April.
On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Emirates’ flight EK330 departs Dubai at 1245 and arrives in Manila at 0125 the next day. Emirates’ return flight EK331 will depart Manila at 0325 and arrive in Dubai at 0825. All times are local.
Currently, the airline schedules three daily flights (21 flights weekly) on the Dubai-Manila route — 0745, 1815, and 2355 departures from DXB.
Flights EK330/331 will be operated by Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER, featuring eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class, and 304 seats in Economy Class. With this expansion, the airline will offer greater choice and enhanced connectivity for corporate travellers, marine customers as well as the large Filipino diaspora across Emirates’ global network, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Spain, the US, Kuwait, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Turkey, Portugal and South Africa.
The new flights also provide shorter connections from and to Canada and the US, as well as late-morning European departures, including Milan, London, Budapest, and Athens via Dubai.
Travellers to and from Manila will benefit from Emirates’ award-winning service and industry-leading products in the air and on the ground across all classes, with regionally-inspired dishes and complimentary beverages and the airline’s ice inflight entertainment system which offers more than 6,500 channels of on-demand entertainment in over 40 languages including Tagalog, featuring movies, TV shows, and an extensive musical library along with games, audio books and podcasts.
Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents, as well as Emirates’ retail stores.
More flights, more cargo
An Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo in its bellyhold with a full passenger load. By adding four more flights to its weekly operations to Manila, operated by this wide-body aircraft, Emirates will increase cargo capacity further to strengthen imports and exports between Manila and Dubai, as well as key trade markets across Europe, the United States and the Indian subcontinent.
The UAE and the Philippines have recently signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). With its extensive operations in Manila and Cebu/Clark, Emirates is well-positioned to support the growing economic and trade ambitions between the two countries.
Three decades of steady performance
Emirates launched services to Manila in 1990 and has progressively grown its operations to include a circular service to Cebu and Clark. The airline currently serves the Philippines with 28 weekly flights and will expand to 34 weekly services with the addition of EK330/331 from 2 April.
Through its partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL), Emirates further connects travellers to additional domestic destinations beyond its own network, including five points via Manila, seven via Cebu, and three via Clark. They offer convenient baggage check-through to final destinations.
Last year, the airline opened an Emirates World Store in the heart of Manila*, its first in Southeast Asia. Customers can visit the store to get a closer look at some of Emirates’ most popular products, including the A380 onboard lounge bar and browse through a curated selection of Emirates-branded merchandise and travel accessories, including the airline’s NBA collection for basketball fans.
* World Store located at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila, in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
BANGKOK, 21 January 2026: Minor Hotels will pursue a focused approach to growth in 2026, building on a year of record development momentum to prioritise market depth, portfolio diversification and capital-efficient expansion.
The group signed 40 new hotel contracts and master agreements in 2025 — its highest annual total to date — and expects to secure a further 25 signings in the first quarter of 2026, highlighting sustained owner demand and signalling another record growth year ahead.
Photo credit: Minor Hotels. NH Collection Paris Ponthieu Champs-Élysées.
With its strongest pipeline to date and a portfolio of more than 640 properties globally, the year ahead marks the beginning of a new phase of growth for the hotel owner and operator, marked by targeted asset-light expansion and supported by the addition of four new hotel brands and a strengthened global platform under the Minor Hotels master brand.
Of the 25 new deals that Minor expects in Q1, more than 60% will be in the Middle East and Asia, signalling the group’s intent to drive a higher contribution from those regions to balance its substantial presence in Europe, which currently accounts for more than half of the group’s portfolio.
In 2026, the group will debut multiple brands in North America, including in key strategic cities such as New York and Miami, and in the Caribbean, with a selection of its brands, including in the luxury segment. This marks a significant step in strengthening its presence in the high-priority North America market. This luxury portfolio expansion will also extend into Australia, where the group already operates more than 60 properties, mainly under the Oaks and Avani brands.
Pipeline growth will continue across Asia, with a focus on Japan following a recent joint venture with Royal Holdings to develop 21 properties across the country. India also remains a priority market, supported by the strong performance of Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur and a growing pipeline of more than a dozen projects.
New brands
Minor Hotels will use 2026 to bring its newest brands to market, with a series of carefully selected openings and signings across multiple segments.
Central to this strategy are the group’s new collection brands – Minor Reserve Collection and Colbert Collection – which are designed to support conversion-led growth in mature markets, particularly Europe and the Middle East. These brands offer independent owners the flexibility to retain their individuality while gaining access to Minor Hotels’ global distribution, loyalty, marketing and operational platforms, opening development opportunities for high-quality properties that may not fit traditional brand frameworks.
The Wolseley Hotels is positioned as a deliberately rare luxury proposition, with 2026 focused on establishing the brand’s presence through a small number of carefully selected projects, reinforcing its long-term positioning in first-tier global gateway cities.
At the more accessible end of the spectrum, iStay Hotels is expected to play a key role in supporting franchise-led growth.
BANGKOK, 21 January 2026: Centara Hotels & Resorts presents Icons of Football Stay Experience, an exclusive package for CentaraThe1 members attending the Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 taking place at Robinswood Golf Club from 31 January until 1 February 2026.
As the Official Hotel Partner, Centara invites guests to enjoy special members-only rates with complimentary General Admission tickets at five stunning Bangkok properties. The tournament will see football icons, including Teddy Sheringham, Robbie Fowler, Ryan Giggs, and Luis Figo, compete in an exciting Team England versus Team World showdown.
Participating properties
Centara Grand at CentralWorld
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok
Centara Watergate Pavilion Hotel Bangkok
Centara Life Government & Convention Chaeng Watthana
Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon
Members receive up to two tickets to Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 per room per night, with single-night bookings (31 January or 1 February) including one-day access, and two-night stays receiving full two-day passes. Bookings are available until 31 January 2026 for stays from 26 January until 7 February 2026.
Beyond the Centara The 1 stay experience, a special 30% discount on Hospitality Tickets for Reignwood Icons of Football 2026 is also available to the general public, offering access to exclusive viewing areas, complimentary drinks and snacks, and additional curated privileges throughout the event. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.ticketmelon.com/iconsseries/reignwoodicons2026
